2012 Syrah, Cole Creek Vineyard, Russian River Valley

Publication

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

Author

Charles Olken

Date

July 2015

Rating

93

Review

This big, bold, wholly compelling young Syrah holds nothing back, yet it possesses an uncanny sense of control given its richness and full ripeness, and both its dense, highly extracted aromas and potent, like-minded flavors show a wealth of very deep fruit along with a full measure of sweet oak and lots of distinct spice. It is surprisingly far ranging for a wine of its age, but it is a long way from showing all that it has, and, despite its undisguised richness, it will need no fewer than six to ten years of cellaring before its considerable pieces coalesce into a complete and complex whole.

Publication

Wine Enthusiast

Author

Virginie Boone

Date

April 2015

Rating

96 and #14 of Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections 2015

Review

This is a gorgeous expression of the variety, co-fermented with 6% Viognier, fruity, ripe and plush yet also completely varietal in its punches of floral white pepper, anise and gamy meat. Although the wine is ready to enjoy now, those who can restrain themselves should cellar it through 2022 to see how it further develops. Cellar Selection.

Publication

Vinous

Author

Antonio Galloni

Date

February 2015

Rating

92

Review

The 2012 Syrah Cole Creek Vineyard, here in its first vintage, is bold, juicy and exuberant to the core. Pomegranate, raspberry jam, crushed flowers, mint and cedar race from the glass in this voluptuous, intense Syrah. The exuberance of Russian River comes through in spades in a Syrah built on opulence and texture. For my taste, the 100% new oak is at the limit of being intrusive, but it works well within the flashy style of this site and the vintage.

Publication

Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate

Author

Robert M. Parker Jr.

Date

December 2014

Rating

95

Review

A new offering, the opaque purple-colored 2012 Syrah Cole Creek Vineyard (only 88 cases) has 6% Viognier co-fermented. It offers up aromas of roasted meats, bouquet garni, lavender and a hint of honeysuckle. Full-bodied and luscious with no hard edges and a velvety, voluptuous texture, it can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.